Thomas Clyde Wheatley of Galestown passed away Sunday, Nov. 14, 2022 at Coastal Hospice by the Lake. He was born March 28, 1944, to the late Brooks and Addie Wheatley. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Merle Shockley Wheatley; son Frank (Hank) Wheatley (Kim); daughter Jennifer Wheatley; grandchildren Katelynn Firestine (John) and Garry Bowden (Logan Price), and great- grandchildren Elijah, Ethan and Piper Firestine. Also surviving are sisters, Deborah Patey and Suellen Wilkins, nieces, cousins and many friends.
Tom graduated from North Dorchester High School and Lincoln Technical School in New Jersey. He had several jobs, ending with IG Burton in Seaford. After becoming legally blind at the age of 33, he began refinishing furniture and was still working on some pieces at the time of his death. Tom was proud of his 45 years of sobriety and still went to meetings regularly. He was a sponsor and mentor to many and was more than willing to give “tough love” when needed.
Tom was a supporter of many local organizations. He was a founding and still current member of Galestown Ruritan Club. He received the prestigious Tom Downing award, the highest award given to a Ruritan. He was a lifetime member of Sharptown Fire Department, served on the Heroes Haven committee and was a member of Wheatley Church.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Federalsburg VFW. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Heroes Haven, Inc., PO Box 184, Sharptown, MD 21861.